A soon-to-be-launched Samoa Computer Emergency Response Team (SamCERT) is expected to boost Samoan cybersecurity.

The Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network Annual General Meeting (A.G.M) was held online for the first time held this week since it was established in 2018.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (M.C.I.T), Fualau Talatalaga Mata'u, told the Samoa Observer in an interview on Thursday that they had the opportunity to inform the network and also partners in the industry.

"We saw an opportunity to inform our network about our Government's commitment in establishing this network so today was just for the recognition to our network and also our partners to Samoa's development of its cybersecurity national strategy," Fualau said.

"Given the uncertainty right now and the newly formed Government once its finalised and it's formed then, of course, we are going to have a big launch."

He explained that they are looking towards the start of the new fiscal year and CERT's function to launch.

"Well we have seen the advancement of infrastructure developments in ICT, [...] two years now the huge upgrades by our telecommunications providers of our whole terrestrial network," he said.

"So with all these critical infrastructure developments, we are now enabled to access to the world with fast and high-speed connectivity and also now the world can easily access to Samoa."

He explained that taking into consideration Samoa's establishment of digital innovations and digital transformation initiative security is needed. 

"All the digital transactions happening through your mobile phone or through your smart devices or even your computers has to be secured," he said.

He says the unit will help ensure that Samoa has secure cyberspace for people and critical infrastructures.

He added that the network is being built with other response teams in the Pacific and internationally.

Fualau stated that Thursday's event is also a recognition of the work that has been done over the years and acknowledged caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, caretaker Minister of M.C.I.T Afamasaga Rico Tupa'i and former C.E.O of M.C.I.T Tuaimalo Asamu Ah Sam.

Fualau also acknowledged development partners New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the U.S., the communication sector and the Samoa Information Technology Association.